DAIRY - Milking Plr Supv/Asst Herdsman

Job Classification

  Hourly Full-time (35-40)

Position summary

Engages in milking, breeding, feeding, treating, and otherwise caring for cows as well as supervising and instructing students in such activities.

Qualifications summary

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in the full position description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

• Works with and gives direction to student workers in the milking parlor for one shift per day during the week and to be on duty every fomth weekend for all herdwork such as breeding and treating cows.


• Inspects barns and milking parlor for cleanliness and maintenance and informs custodial supervisor of actions requ ired to ensure compliance with established standards.


• Studies genetic and health records to help develop schedules for activities such as breeding and veterinaiy care of animals, in consultation with other herdsmen - to become conversant with herd recording  software.


• Observes cows during estrus and artificially inseminates cows to produce desired offspring.


• Examines cows for evidence of illness, injuries, and calving, treats illnesses and injuries, delivers calves, and engages Veterinarian to care for serious injuries and illnesses.


• To develop proficiency in hand ling all types of mechanical equipment for bedding and feeding of cows. Interprets dairy farm policies to workers and enforces safety regulations.


• Recommends measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of product. Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency of work crew.


• Analyzes and resolves work problems, or assists workers in solving work problems.


• Enters and retrieves data in order to properly treat or breed cows using the dairy management program on the daity's computer.


• Cross-trained to feed cows and calves if the need arises.

Supervisory responsibilities

Directly supervises 3-4 student employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training student employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Education and/or Experience                                                   

Minimum of an Associate’s degree or equivalent from two-year/technical school; or two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with animals, preferably dairy cows and milking systems

 

Language Skills                                                

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

 

Mathematical Skills                                                     

Able to do simple math at a minimum.

 

Reasoning Ability                                             

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

 

Other

Sound knowledge of required activities in a milking parlor. Ability to work with animals in a quiet and calming manner. Knowledge of breeding techniques in artificial breeding. Experience in treating cow illnesses and common medications use. Be able to work with others of varying skill levels and lead out where necessary. Be able to operate a milking machine and other small equipment.


Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

N/A

Interpersonal interactions

Will have to work with other people, usually on a milking shift of three people.  Will need to be able to give instruction and take instruction as necessary.

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required  to taste or smell.  The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical  parts, fumes or airborne paiticles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.  The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.